Nail clipper with blade-insert

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for cutting toenails and fingernails includes a frame member that includes an upper frame member and a lower frame member. One of a pair of cutting blades is attached to a front of the upper frame member and a remainder of the pair of cutting blades is attached to a front of the lower frame member so that a cutting edge of each of the pair of cutting blades are in alignment and face each other. According to certain preferred embodiments, the device is disposable: According to certain other preferred embodiments each of the pair of cutting blades can be replaced with a new replacement blade assembly. Various embodiments are shown sufficient to illustrate a portion of the versatility and benefits that are possible including the use of plastic to form the frame member, steel or other suitable material to form the pair of cutting blades, low manufacturing cost, lightweight, offering of the apparatus in different styles and colors, it use for advertising, and less likely to be detected by airport security personnel.

This application is related to pending patent application Ser. No.11/226,811, entitled Nail Clipper, that was filed on Sep. 13, 2005.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention, in general, relates to personal grooming devicesand, more particularly, to toe and finger nail clippers.

Nail clippers, the term herein including either toe or finger nail typeof clippers, are generally well known.

Nail clippers have certain problems. For example, prior art designs tendto spray the clippings into a room. The clippings may be sharp and caneven spread infection. Therefore, it is desirable to contain clippings.

However, prior art nail clippers include a center post that engages witha pivoting lever. The pivoting lever, pressing upon a ridge in thecenter post applies pressure to the clipper sufficient to urge a pair ofopposite sides, and therefore also the blades, toward one-another duringuse.

The center post, though necessary, provides an obstruction that certainof the clippings inevitably must impact. The clippings bounce off of thecenter post and are scattered. Any prior art type of modificationintended to retain the clippings has proven to be ineffective when theyare bouncing off of the center post.

Other prior-art types of nail clippers do not fold sufficiently flat forstorage. Others do not apply leverage that can create sufficient forceto cut through difficult nails without requiring a great deal of forceby the user.

Additionally, prior art nail clippers include considerable metal thathas been machined. This is considerably more expensive than plastic, forexample. However, all prior art designs have heretofore included a fullyfunctional metallic nail clipper, with perhaps plastic surroundcomponents as well. This has been expensive.

There is a need to an inexpensive nail clipper. There is a need for adisposable nail clipper that is also inexpensive. Such a device could begiven away at finer hotels or sold for minimum cost. It could also be afree item that included advertising, for example.

Nail clippers are expensive because of the machining that is required tomanufacture the metal portions thereof. The top and bottom blades mustnot only be cut to a fine edge, but they must align precisely. It isrelatively inexpensive to make a blade, but the manufacture of twoblades that mesh precisely together, is what drives up the cost ofmanufacture.

Also, because nail clippers include so much metal, they are detected atairport security checks and often result in the searching of personalsundries that would not otherwise be so scrutinized. They may even beconfiscated as a potentially dangerous weapon, which of course is adebatable assessment, but if confiscated it leaves the person without anail clipper when they reach their destination. It is desirable toinclude so little metal with a nail clipper that it does not register asa potential threat during airport check-in procedures.

Accordingly, there exists today a need for a nail clipper withblade-insert that helps ameliorate the above-mentioned and otherdifficulties.

Clearly, such an apparatus would be a useful and desirable device.

2. Description of Prior Art

Nail clippers are, in general, known. While the structural arrangementsof the above described known types of devices may, at first appearance,have similarities with the present invention, they differ in materialrespects. These differences, which will be described in more detailhereinafter, are essential for the effective use of the invention andwhich admit of the advantages that are not available with the priordevices.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a nail clipper withblade-insert that is inexpensive to manufacture.

It is also an important object of the invention to provide a nailclipper with blade-insert that includes a replaceable cutting edge.

Another object of the invention is to provide a nail clipper withblade-insert that is primarily made of a plastic, nylon, or polymer.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a nail clipper withblade-insert that is aesthetically attractive.

Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a nail clipperwith blade-insert that is sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture as tobe disposable.

Yet another important object of the invention is to provide a nailclipper with blade-insert that includes a small cutting edge in aplastic frame.

Still yet another important object of the invention is to provide a nailclipper that includes a plastic frame that is attractive.

A first continuing object of the invention is to provide a nail clipperwith blade-insert that is available in a desired color.

A second continuing object of the invention is to provide a nail clipperwith blade-insert that is lightweight.

A third continuing object of the invention is to provide a nail clipperwith blade-insert that includes a blade that is formed of a metallic orother suitable material and a second blade that is formed of a metallicor other suitable material and wherein the blade and the second bladeare not formed of a continuous piece of the material.

Briefly, a nail clipper with blade-insert that is constructed inaccordance with the principles of the present invention has a plasticframe with a pair of cutting blades that are attached to the plasticframe and face each other. According to a preferred embodiment the pairof cutting blades can be replaced with new blades. According to anotherpreferred embodiment, the device is disposable. Various embodiments areshown which illustrate some of versatility and benefits that arepossible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a first disposable type of a nailclipper with blade-insert.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a second disposable type of a nail clipper withblade-insert.

INSET A is an enlarged view in perspective of a first modified blade ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 3 is a view in perspective of a portion of a first half of a thirddisposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert.

FIG. 4 is a view in perspective of a portion of a first half of a firstreplaceable blade type of a nail clipper with blade-insert with areplacement blade ready for insertion.

FIG. 5 is a view in perspective of a portion of a first half of a secondreplaceable blade type of a nail clipper with blade-insert with areplacement blade installed.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 5 taken along theline 6-6 in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a fourth disposable type of a nail clipper withblade-insert.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a modified way of mounting a cutting blade to anail clipper with blade-insert.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to all of the drawing figures and now primarily to FIG. 1 isshown, a first disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert,identified in general by the reference numeral 10.

A one-piece plastic frame member 12 is molded out of a sufficient gradeof plastic, nylon, or other material other than a metal.

A spring 14 is provided to push an upper half 12 a of the frame member12 away from a bottom half 12 b. The spring 14 fits into a hole 16provided in the bottom half 12 b and a similar hole (not shown) that isprovided in the top half 12 a.

If desired, a greater amount of plastic material 18 (shown in dashedlines) is provided near a rear 20 of the frame member 12. The plasticmaterial 18 is used instead of the spring 14 to urge the bottom half 12b away from the upper half 12 a when no force is applied to any portionof the frame member 12.

If desired, other types of springs (not shown) can be used.

The upper half 12 a of the frame member 12 of the first disposable typeof a nail clipper with blade-insert 10 includes a first enlarged frontportion, identified in general by the reference numeral 22.

The first enlarged front portion 22 includes a vertical section 24 thatis generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the upper half 12a. An inside radius 26 connects the vertical section 24 with the upperhalf 12 a along an inside surface of the first disposable type of a nailclipper with blade-insert 10. An outside radius 28 similarly connectsthe vertical section 24 with the upper half 12 a along an outsidesurface of the first disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert10.

A first recess 30 is provided in a bottom surface 32 of the verticalsection 24 that extends across the width thereof. The first recess 30can be straight or it may include a curve, as desired.

A blade 34 is inserted into the first recess 30 and is held in place byfriction or by any preferred method or combination of methods, asdesired. For example, holes (not shown) can be provided through theblade 34. Plastic material from the vertical section 24 can extendthrough the holes sufficient to secure the blade 34 precisely inposition. If desired, an adhesive 35 may be used.

The blade 34 includes a small piece of planar material with a cuttingedge 36 that is disposed closest toward the bottom half 12 b. The blade34 is preferably formed of metal, although other materials, for examplea ceramic material, can be used, if desired. The blade 34 preferablyincludes a curvature 38 along the cutting edge 36 as is common withprior art types of nail clippers (not shown).

The blade 34 small piece of planar material is sharpened and bent (ifdesired) prior to insertion into the first recess 30. As such, the costof manufacture of the blade 34 is minimal.

The bottom half 12 b includes a second enlarged front portion,identified in general by the reference numeral 40. The second enlargedfront portion 40 is a mirror in construction and composition to thefirst enlarged front 22.

A second blade 34 a of the second enlarged front 40 is identical to theblade 34, just oriented upside down with respect thereto.

A second cutting edge 36 a of the second blade 34 a aligns with thecutting edge 36 when the upper half 12 a and the bottom half 12 b of theframe member 12 are urged together.

The upper half 12 a and the lower half 12 b are urged toward each otherwhen a force sufficient to overcome hysteresis and the force of thespring 14 is applied to the upper half 12 a in the direction andlocation of arrow 42 and to the bottom half 12 b in the direction andlocation of opposite arrow 44.

When urged together, the cutting edge 36 and the second cutting edge 36a align perfectly with respect to each other.

A finger nail (not shown) or a toe nail (not shown) is inserted betweenthe blade 34 and the second blade 34 a and is severed by the cuttingedge 36 and by the second cutting edge 36 a when sufficient force isapplied to urge the upper half 12 a and to the bottom half 12 b towardeach other.

Typically, a thumb and finger of a user can supply sufficient force tosever the nail. If desire, the first disposable type of a nail clipperwith blade-insert 10 is modified to include a lever 52 (see FIG. 2) toapply greater force to urge the cutting edge 36 and the second cuttingedge 36 a together.

If desired, an advertisement 46 is provided wherever preferred on theframe member 12.

Because the cost of manufacture is so little for the first disposabletype of a nail clipper with blade-insert 10, they can be sold at verylow cost, used for a period of time until the cutting edge 36 and thesecond cutting edge 36 a become dull, and then disposed of.

If the spring 14 is eliminated, other than the blade 34 and the secondblade 34 a there is no metal. Of course, the spring 14 could be changedfrom a coil-type of the spring 14 to include a leaf-type of the spring14 that is disposed further toward the rear of the nail clipper withblade-insert 10 (not shown) than is the spring 14, as shown. This makesthe first disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 10lightweight and very inexpensive to manufacture.

Unlike all known prior art types of nail clippers, the blade 34 and thesecond blade 34 a are separate parts. They are not formed of acontinuous piece of metal (as is the prior art). Because the blade 34and the second blade 34 a are not continuous, precision machining of theeach prior art cutting edge with respect to the other is eliminated.

This greatly reduces the cost of manufacture because the blade 24 andthe second blade 34 a, being separate components, are easy tomanufacture and to machine the cutting edge 36 and the second cuttingedge 36 a.

Luxury hotels can provide the first disposable type of a nail clipperwith blade-insert 10 for free or at low cost. Manufacturers of any typeof a product who wish to increase customer awareness of their products(or services) can include their name, telephone number, and website aspart of the advertisement 46. The manufacturers may wish to give thefirst disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 10 away forfree.

Every time a person who has received one for free cuts his or her fingernails or toe nails, they are apt to be reminded of the manufacturer andto think favorably of the manufacturer. If repeated enough times, when apurchase decision is required by the person for a product offered by themanufacturer, it is likely that the name of the manufacturer will springfavorably to mind.

The frame member 12 can be any desired color of plastic. For example, apink color of the frame member 12 may appeal to girls and women whereasanother color may be more likely to appeal to boys and men.

Furthermore, because there is so little metal, airport security devicesare not likely to detect the first disposable type of a nail clipperwith blade-insert 10 during security screening. This prevents delays andpossible confiscation of the first disposable type of a nail clipperwith blade-insert 10 by overly zealous security personnel.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 2 is shown, a second disposable type ofa nail clipper with blade-insert, identified in general by the referencenumeral 50.

A plastic lever 52 is pivotally attached to a top of a vertical plasticpin 54 by a horizontal pin 55. The pin 54 passes through a pin hole 56provided in a first modified frame member 58.

The pin 54 continues to pass through a second pin hole 60 provided in asecond modified frame member 62. The first modified frame member 58 andthe second modified frame member 62 are identical, just inverted withrespect to each other. They are each formed of plastic or nylonpreferably and include a center wedge 64 at an end opposite to where thepin 54 is disposed.

The pin 54 includes a split bottom 54 a. The two opposite sides of thesplit bottom 54 a are urged together sufficient to pass through secondpin hole 60. A pin wedge 65 is urged into the split bottom 54 asufficient to spread the two opposite sides of the split bottom 54 aapart an amount sufficient to prevent the split bottom 54 a from passingback up and through the second pin hole 60.

The first modified frame member 58 and the second modified frame member62 are preferably planar members that approximate the size of currentprior art types of nail clippers. Prior art types of nail clippers comein a variety of sizes and it is to be understood that the instantinvention can similarly be provided in a variety of sizes.

The wedge 64 is either welded (by ultrasound or other means) or adhered(by an adhesive) to the first modified frame member 58 and to the secondmodified frame member 62. Injection molding or other known or futuremanufacturing techniques can, of course, be used to form any version ofthe nail clipper with blade-insert 10, 50 (100, 150, 200, as describedhereinafter).

The wedge 64 orients the first modified frame member 58 and the secondmodified frame member 62 in a spaced apart relationship where they aredisposed further apart at a front, identified in general by thereference numeral 66 than at an opposite rear 68. If desired, the wedge64 is molded as an integral part of the second disposable type of a nailclipper with blade-insert 50 so that the wedge 64, the first modifiedframe member 58, and the second modified frame member 62 are onecontinuous piece.

A first modified blade 70 includes a blade hole 72 through which the pin54 passes. The first modified blade 70 includes the cutting edge 36which is substantially identical to that of the first disposable type ofa nail clipper with blade-insert 10. The first modified blade 70 isattached at the front 66 of the first modified frame member 58 byadhesive or any preferred means.

A second modified blade 74 is identical to the first modified blade 70and is similarly attached in an inverted fashion to the second modifiedframe member 62 so that the cutting edge 36 and the second cutting edge36 a of the second modified blade 74 are aligned with respect to eachother and face each other, as they did on the first disposable type of anail clipper with blade-insert 10.

When the lever 52 is depressed in the direction of arrow 76, a fulcrum78 of the lever 54 applies a mechanical advantage to the top of thefirst modified frame member 58 sufficient to urge it toward the secondmodified frame member 62.

The pin 54 prevents the second modified frame member 62 from moving awayfrom first modified frame member 58 as the lever 52 is depressed. Thiscauses the second modified blade 74 and the first modified blade 70 tomove toward each other until the cutting edge 36 and the second cuttingedge 36 a align with each other and any finger nail or toe nail placedthere-between has been severed.

The second disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 50 sharesthe advantages of being lightweight, inexpensive to manufacture, lowcost of purchase, space for the advertisement 46, and because of littlemetal, freedom from detection by airport security devices of the firstdisposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 10.

If desired, a retainer clip 79 can be inserted over the opposite rear 68of the first modified frame member 58, the wedge 64, and the secondmodified frame member 62 to secure them together. The retainer clip 79if formed of metal or any preferred material and can be crimped in placeto provide a low-cost manufacturing method.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 3 is shown a portion of a first half ofa third disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert, identifiedin general by the reference numeral 100.

A front portion 102 a of a second modified frame member 102 is shown.The second modified frame member 102 and those portions of the thirddisposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 100 not shown orotherwise described as being different than the previously describedembodiments, are substantially the same as with either the firstdisposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 10 or, alternately,the second disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 50.

The front portion 102 a includes a horizontal recess 104 into which athird modified blade 106 is disposed and attached in any preferredmanner. For all embodiments described hereinafter, the cutting edge 36is similarly included. Also, for all embodiments described hereinafter,a bottom half that is not shown includes a mirror image of the topportion which is shown and described. The cutting edge 36 will similarlyalign with the second cutting edge 36 a (of the bottom half) when thebottom half is urged toward the top half (i.e., for example, toward thesecond modified frame member 102) that is shown.

The third disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 100provides the advantages of the previously described embodiments.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 4 is shown a portion of a first half ofa first replaceable blade type of a nail clipper with blade-insert,identified in general by the reference numeral 150.

A replacement blade assembly, identified in general by the referencenumeral 152 is shown in a spaced-apart orientation, ready for insertioninto an open end 154 of a third modified frame member 156.

The replacement blade assembly 152 is similar to the front portion 102 aof the third disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 100.However, the replacement blade assembly 152 is detachably-attachablewith respect to the third modified frame member 156.

A pair of tangs 158, 160 extend from the replacement blade assembly 152and each include a respective beveled leading edge 162, 164. Eachleading edge 162, 164 will extend progressively further away from acenter of the replacement blade assembly as it passes toward the thirdmodified blade 106 until it terminates at a retaining edge 166, 168 thatare each perpendicular with respect to arrow 170.

The replacement blade assemblies 152 are expected to be sold in pairsfor replacement of a prior set when the cutting edges 36, 36 a of thefirst replaceable blade type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 152become dull.

To remove a previously used and now dull replacement blade assembly 152from the third modified frame member 156 (or bottom member; not shown),a force is simultaneously applied through a pair of side openings 172,174 that are provided in the third modified frame member 156 to the twoleading edges 162, 164.

The two leading edges are urged toward each other an amount sufficientto permit the retaining edges 166, 168 to clear the side openings 172,174. The pair of tangs 158, 160 bend inward in response to the forcethat is applied.

A force in the opposite direction of arrow 170 is also simultaneouslyapplied to the replacement blade assembly 152 while the leading edges162, 164 are depressed. When the retaining edges 166, 168 clear the sideopenings 172, 174, the replacement blade assembly 152 is pulled out ofthe open end 154 of the third modified frame member 156.

This is repeated for both the first (top) half of the first replaceableblade type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 150 and also for thesecond (bottom) half (not shown).

To insert a new replacement blade assembly 152 after an older one hasbeen removed, it is simply oriented as shown in the drawing and urged inthe direction of arrow 170 until a click is heard as the retaining edges166, 168 pass beyond the front edge of each of the side openings 172,174. The replacement blade assembly 152 is accordingly held in position.Furthermore, the cutting edge 36 of the top replacement blade assembly152 is aligned with the second cutting edge 36 a (not shown) of thebottom replacement blade assembly 152.

An additional benefit is provided over the previous embodimentsdescribed herein. The additional benefit is that the first replaceableblade type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 150 can be restored tolike-new cutting ability by periodically replacing the replacement bladeassemblies 152. The replacement blade assemblies 152 are a consumableitem, similar to razor blades, which can prove to be as profitable orpotentially even more profitable than the sale of the first replaceableblade type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 150.

Referring now primarily to FIG. 5 and also to FIG. 6 is shown a portionof a first half of a second replaceable blade type of a nail clipperwith blade-insert, identified in general by the reference numeral 200.

A second replacement blade assembly 202 includes a modified blade 204that is attached to a channel member 206. The modified blade 204 and thechannel member 206 are preferably formed of steel. The channel member206 in cross-section (FIG. 6) includes a generally rectangular “C-shape”that is adapted to slide over an end 208 of a fourth modified framemember 210.

The second replacement blade assembly 202 includes an alignment hole212. The fourth modified frame member 210 includes an alignmentprotrusion 214 that engages with the alignment hole 212 when the secondreplacement blade assembly 202 is fully inserted onto an end of thefourth modified frame member 210.

The alignment protrusion 214 disposed in the alignment hole 212 providestwo benefits. Together, they ensure that the second replacement bladeassembly 202 is fully and properly inserted on the fourth modified framemember 210 and they help retain the second replacement blade assembly202 in position.

To ensure that the second replacement blade assembly 202 is not insertedtoo far onto the fourth modified frame member 210, an elevated ridge 216is preferably included as part of the fourth modified frame member 210that prevents over-insertion of the second replacement blade assembly202.

To remove the second replacement blade assembly 202 from the fourthmodified frame member 210 it is grasped and sufficient force is appliedin the direction of arrow 218 while retaining the remainder of thesecond replaceable blade type of a nail clipper with blade-insert,identified in general by the reference numeral 200. The resistanceprovided by the alignment protrusion 214 in the alignment hole 212 isovercome and the second replacement blade assembly is separated apartfrom the fourth modified frame member 210.

To add a new second replacement blade assembly 202 it is urged in adirection opposite that of arrow 218 until the alignment protrusion 214is in the alignment hole 212 and a rear edge of the second replacementblade assembly 202 is disposed against the elevated ridge 216.

Of course, when replacement is warranted, two of the second replacementblade assemblies 202 are used at both the top and bottom halves of thesecond replaceable blade type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 200.

If desired, the instant invention can, of course, be modified for usewith the disclosure of the related patent application that wasidentified in the first sentence of the specification in such a way asto eliminate the prior art type of clipper that was used and to replaceit with one of the embodiments, as described herein. Accordingly,pending patent application Ser. No. 11/226,811, entitled Nail Clipper,that was filed on Sep. 13, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.

For example, referring now primarily to FIG. 7 is shown, a fourthdisposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert, identified ingeneral by the reference numeral 250.

The fourth disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 250 issimilar to the first disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert10. However, the fourth disposable type of a nail clipper withblade-insert 250 includes a raised pivot area 252 in a bottom half 254of a further modified frame member 256. The further modified framemember 256 is preferably formed of plastic or nylon (not metal).

The raised pivot area 252 extends across the width of the bottom half254. A modified lever 258 is preferably formed of a plastic or nylon andpivots about a bottom pivot pin 260. The bottom pivot pin 260 passesthrough the raised pivot area 252 and also through a bottom end of apair of opposite lower sides 262 of the modified lever 258. The modifiedlever 258 is similar in design to that which was disclosed in theabove-referenced pending patent application.

If desired, the bottom pivot pin 260 can eliminated and a pair ofmodified bottom pivot pins (not shown) can instead be provided. Themodified bottom pivot pins are each molded as a cylindrical extension toeach of the pair of opposite lower sides 262 proximate the bottomthereof and extending inward a predetermined distance toward each other.A corresponding cylindrical opening is provided on each side of theraised pivot area 252 to receive one of the pair of modified bottompivot pins.

This can help to lower manufacturing and assembly cost. To assemble thefourth disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 250 when thepair of modified bottom pivot pins are used, the pair of opposite lowersides 262 are urged apart an amount sufficient to permit each of themodified bottom pivot pins to enter into the corresponding cylindricalopenings in the raised pivot area 252, where they are urged inward bytheir own elastomeric properties. The modified bottom pivot pins thensnap into the cylindrical openings where they are retained.

The pair of opposite lower sides 262 (the rear side is not visible) aredisposed on opposite sides of the further modified frame member 256. Themodified lever 258 includes an opening (as indicated by bracket 263)that extends from the bottom pivot pin 260 (i.e., the bottom of themodified lever 258) up to an upper cross member 264. The opening extendsalong the length of the opposite lower sides 262 as shown by bracket263.

The upper cross member 264 extends across the width of the modifiedlever 258 and when the modified lever 258 is urged in the directionshown by arrow 266, the modified lever 258 bears against and urges anupper half 268 of the further modified frame member 256 toward thebottom half 254. The cutting blade 34 and the second cutting blade 34 aare then drawn together sufficient to sever a toe nail or a finger nail.

The upper cross member 264 can extend up to and into a finger pad 270or, if preferred, it can extend only partially along the remaininglength of the modified lever 258. For storage, the modified lever 258 ispivoted about the bottom pivot pin 260 in the direction of arrow 272until it is disposed under the bottom half 254 and is adjacent thereto.

The only metal used in the fourth disposable type of a nail clipper withblade-insert 250 are for the cutting blade 34 and the second cuttingblade 34 a and the bottom pivot pin 260. Of course, the bottom pivot pin260 could be made of a material other than metal, if preferred. Also, ifthe modified bottom pivot pins are used instead of the bottom pivot pin260, they would not be formed of metal.

Accordingly, the fourth disposable type of a nail clipper withblade-insert 250 includes all of the advantages of the first disposabletype of a nail clipper with blade-insert 10 plus the added ease of usethat is provided by the mechanical advantage created by the modifiedlever 258.

As disclosed, the fourth disposable type of a nail clipper withblade-insert 250 is expected to be used for a period of time and thendisposed of. Depending on the quality of construction, the period oftime can be less than, equal to, or even longer than that of the knownprior-art types of nail clippers.

However, if preferred, it can be further modified so that it includeseither the replacement blade assembly 152 or the second replacementblade assembly 202, or any other possible type of modified replacementblade assembly (not shown).

After having had benefit of the instant disclosure, it is anticipatedthat other and further modifications will be obvious to those possessingordinary skill.

For example, the first enlarged front portion 22 of the first disposabletype of a nail clipper with blade-insert 10, the second disposable typeof a nail clipper with blade-insert 50, the third disposable type of anail clipper with blade-insert 100, or the fourth disposable type of anail clipper with blade-insert 250 could each be modified, as desired,so as not to be disposable but to include a preferred type ofreplacement blade assembly 152, 202 (or newly designed).

For example, any of the disposable types of a nail clipper withblade-insert 10, 50, 100, 250 can be modified to include the teachingsof the first replaceable blade type of a nail clipper with blade-insert150 (FIG. 4) including a modified replacement blade assembly (notshown).

The modified replacement blade assembly would be similar to thereplacement blade assembly 152 except that the cutting blade 34 and thesecond cutting blade 34 a of the modified replacement blade assemblywould be attached vertically (as shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 7) instead ofhorizontally, as shown in FIG. 4. This is to illustrate only a smallsampling of the many modifications that are now possible regarding thereplacement blade assemblies 152, 202.

Similarly, any disposable type of a nail clipper with blade-insert 10,50, 100, 250 can be modified to include the second replaceable bladetype of a nail clipper with blade-insert 200.

Also, any of the versions herein can include any type of an enclosure(not shown) to retain the nail clippings.

An additional modification could allow replacement of only the cuttingblade 34 instead of the replacement blade assembly 152 (or the secondreplacement blade assembly 202) which include additional componentsother than the cutting blade 34.

For example, the first recess 30 could be modified to secure the cuttingblade 34 in position, allow its withdrawal, and permit the insertion ofa replacement cutting blade 34 therein.

As an example of a possible way to secure the cutting blade 34 in amodified type of a first recess (not shown), a modified type of acutting blade (not shown) could include an opening into which aprotrusion that is provided in the modified type of a first recess wouldengage, similar to way in which the alignment hole 212 and the alignmentprotrusion 214 cooperate.

The modified type of a cutting blade is grasped and pulled out andanother is urged into the modified type of a first recess. This isgenerally not preferred over use of the replacement blade assemblies152, 202 because of the possibility of injury occurring during removalor insertion of the modified type of a cutting blade into the modifiedtype of a first recess.

Referring now to FIG. 8, for any version of the nail clipper withblade-insert 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 the cutting blade 34 and thesecond cutting blade 34 a require that the cutting edges 36, 36 acontact each other when the device is urged into a closed position. Theplanar portion of each cutting blade 34, 34 a does not have to bevertical or in parallel planar alignment with each other but could bedisposed at an angle, if preferred.

If desired, the cutting blades 34, 34 a could be formed of a materialother than metal, for example, a ceramic material.

Other changes are also possible. As is well-known in the nail clipperarts, a radius is included in the cutting edges to provide a curvatureto the nails (either toe or finger) when cut. Prior art designs machinethe curvature into the cutting edges. However, with any version of theinstant invention, the cutting blades 34, 34 a can be formed of a flatmaterial stock, if preferred, that is bent to provide the desired amountof curvature during assembly. This provides even lower cost for themanufacture of the cutting blades 34, 34 a.

If preferred, any portion of any version of the instant invention asdescribed herein that is formed of a plastic, nylon, or polymer, forexample, can include either a solid core or a hollow core. Properselection of materials and skilful design will, of course, allow minimaluse of the plastic, nylon, or polymer. Not only does minimal use reducemanufacturing cost, it also reduces weight, which in turn, cansubstantially reduce shipping costs. This is especially true whencompared with the known prior-art. Also, a lower weight makes portage ofthe instant invention easier to accomplish, whether it is placed in apocket, purse, or added to a keychain, for example.

The invention has been shown, described, and illustrated in substantialdetail with reference to the presently preferred embodiment. It will beunderstood by those skilled in this art that other and further changesand modifications may be made without departing from the spirit andscope of the invention which is defined by the claims appended hereto.

1. (canceled)
 2. An improvement to a nail clipper that includes a bladewith a cutting edge, wherein the improvement comprises: a non-metallicframe and wherein the blade includes a replaceable blade, and whereinsaid replaceable blade is detachably-attachable with respect to saidframe.
 3. An improvement to a nail clipper that includes a blade with acutting edge, wherein the cutting edge of the blade simultaneously makesa parallel cut across a portion of nail, wherein the improvementcomprises: a non-metallic frame and wherein the blade includes areplaceable blade, and wherein said replaceable blade isdetachably-attachable with respect to said frame.
 4. An improvement to anail clipper that includes a blade with a cutting edge, wherein theimprovement comprises: a non-metallic frame and wherein the bladeincludes a replaceable blade, and wherein said replaceable blade isattachable to said frame.
 5. The improvement to a nail clipper of claim4 wherein said frame is formed of a plastic.
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)8. (canceled)
 9. (canceled)
 10. The improvement to a nail clipper ofclaim 4 wherein said replaceable blade is detachable from said frame.11. (canceled)
 12. (canceled)
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. Theimprovement to a nail clipper of claim 4 wherein the blade includes areplacement blade assembly that is adapted to slide over an end of saidframe.
 16. The improvement to a nail clipper of claim 4 wherein saidframe includes an upper portion and a lower portion and wherein saidreplaceable blade includes a first replaceable blade or a secondreplaceable blade or a first replaceable blade and a second replaceableblade, and wherein said first replaceable blade is detachably-attachablewith respect to said upper portion or wherein said second replaceableblade is detachably-attachable with respect to said lower portion orwherein said first replaceable blade is detachably-attachable withrespect to said upper portion and said second replaceable blade isdetachably-attachable with respect to said lower portion.
 17. (canceled)18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. An improvement to a nail clipper,wherein the improvement comprises: (a) a plastic frame that includes anupper portion and a lower portion; (b) a first cutting blade attached tosaid upper portion, said first cutting blade formed of a metal or asufficiently hard material other than a plastic; (c) a second cuttingblade attached to said lower portion, said second cutting blade formedof a metal or a sufficiently hard material other than a plastic; and (d)wherein said first cutting blade or said second cutting blade or saidfirst cutting blade and said second cutting blade is replaceable.